bronko22000

I finally got my Browning Micro Hunter 325WSM, lefty, after a long wait. I loaded up 20 rounds of a light load of 51 gr of IMR4895 and Sierra 220 gr bullets to break it in.Topped it with aBurris short mag 3-9X scopeand took it to the range today. I fired six shots to sight it in, cleaning after each round. Then 3 - 3 shot sets cleaning after each 3. The last 5 shots were fired just to see what it would do. Four shots went neatly into the 1" diamond and one shot,the second one,a called pull, went 1" right. Discounting the bad shot, the remaining 4 measured .55" center-center. I can't wait until I work up an 'accurate' load with this rifle. I'm going to be trying Hornady, Nosler Accubonds, and Barnes TSX bullets.
Surprisingly this little rifle, about 7 1/2 lbs., didn't kick as much as I thought. My Savage 116 in .30-06 kicks harder. My only complaint is the trigger. Although adjustable, at its lightest setting, is still too heavy for my taste. I would like it to break just about 3 lbs. But I can live with it for now.

KonaBoy

Sounds like you got a dandy little rifle Got any pictures?

Anthony T.

If it's a browning, it's an accurate and sweet looking rifle, you can guarantee it. Good buy bro!

bronko22000

Second day on the range with this rifle after the initial breakin and a good cleaning. I loaded up some Barnes TSX and Nosler Accubonds, both 200 gr. with 62 gr of RL-19 and 56 gr of IMR 4064. Started with mild loads and will work up.
Being that I'm just getting started I used 3 shot groups instead of my normal 5 shot groups. Here are my averages: (for 3 - 3 shot groups)
Nosler Accubond; RL-19 powder 0.677", IMR4064 powder 0.771"
Barnes TSX;RL-19 powder 0.928", IMR4064 powder 0.946"

Not too shabby. Nosler reloading data says that Max for RL-19 is 69 gr but Barnes says only 64 gr is their max with the TSX.so I have a lot more testing to do. Cases show no signs of excessive pressure. Next series will be 64 gr of RL-19. It seems to be grouping better than the 4064.

Doe Dumper

I woulda thought that thing woulda been brutal on the recoil.

bronko22000

doe dumper - I thought so too. But its not really that bad. The recoil pad is quite a bit softer than the one on my 7-08 Micro Hunter. I'm sure that helps. And being that it is still hot out I am wearing my sporting clays vest with a recoil reducer pad on the shoulder over my T shirt. That helps too. At a bit over 7 lbs though, it does get your attention. But even after shooting 40 rounds through it yesterday, I have no bruising or soreness.
Honestly, I think my Ruger 77 in 300 Win Mag delivers more felt recoil with 180 gr loads.
We'll see what happens when I juice up the loads more. At present there are no signs of excessive pressure.
I am still going to be working with the 200 gr Nosler and Barnes bullets but I am not going to rule out the Sierra 220 grainers. These shot real good during the initial shooting. but I like the ballistics of the 200 gr bullets. I'm also going to be trying Hornady 195 gr bullets once my gun shop gets them in for me.

Anthony T.

I almost bought one myself, but talked myself out of it. I wanted one in the medallion. I talked myself out of it and got a 30-06 because as hard as i tried to justify having the 325, i knew I didnt need it here. That doesnt mean I still wont get one though

bronko22000

Well the Barnes bullets are out. Since I jumped to 66 gr of RL-19 the 3 groups with the Barnes TSX bullets went up to well over an inch. But the Nosler Accubonds are still grouping at right around 3/4" on average.
Next is to try some IMR4350 and IMR4831 with the Accubonds. I'm still waiting on the Hornadys to come in.